What a fabulous start to Term 3. Staff and tamariki arrived back at school with big smiles ready to get stuck into a new term of learning.

Well done to the tamariki that performed at the Matariki service at the Flagstaff Union Church on the 1st weekend of the holidays. The children performed with enthusiasm and pride and made us all feel so proud of them. A big thank you to Sue Mepham, Heather Bonney and Katy Fitzgerald for training and supporting our tamariki.

You may have noticed a new van in the carpark. We were very lucky to have received grants from the Alexander McMillan Trust and from Pub Charity Ltd that enabled us to purchase the van. Thanks also to the our Home and School fundraising committee for their contribution. The van will be used for sporting and cultural groups, camps and many other trips.

A parent came to see me last week, extremely worried about the driving and parking behaviour around the school at 3pm. Some of the behaviours she witnessed involved cars doing u-turns very close to the pedestrian crossing and drivers stopping in the middle of the road to allow children to get in the car without parking properly. We also see drivers allowing children to get in the car while it is stopped at the pedestrian crossing, as well as parking across driveways and yellow lines. This is all really dangerous behaviour and while teachers on road patrol duty do their best to speak to people who park on yellow lines near the crossing, it is not always easy to do so when they are taking care of the road patrol team and children crossing the road. I have spoken with Police about these unsafe behaviours, so don't be surprised to see a Police car or parking warden in the vicinity.

Our attendance data continues to improve. In term 2, 2024, our regular attendance [90%+] was 53%. In term 2 this year our regular attendance was 67%. That is a significant improvement. Tino pai!

What a great day we had for the cross country. The weather certainly played its part putting on a fabulous sunny day, the ground was not too muddy, there were lots of keen runners and a fabulous crowd to cheer everyone on. Thanks to all of the tamariki who ran and gave it everything. We are very proud of you all! Congratulations to those who were placed. Thanks to Mrs Hately for organising the event and special thanks to Michael Smith, (Moxie), for setting out the course.

Once again, if I can be of assistance with any matter, feel free to contact me.

Ngā mihi

Stacey Gribben